Gift pick: A zoo that fits in your hand

The Swedish firm OMM Design puts a sweet spin on a Russian tradition with retro-flavored zoo of nesting dolls. The smallest of the critters is barely an inch tall. They are joined by two other sets, one of nesting owls and another of pocket-sized people, some sporting excellent facial hair. But how could you resist such a friendly looking sea lion and optimistic lion?

The nesting dolls are $28.50 for the set at Huset, 1316-1/2 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (424) 268-4213.